fitness Archives - Serendipity Mommy

Why You Should Start Boxing

November 13, 2019 by Mandy

Boxing training has become on of the most popular fitness regimes today. In fact, many celebrities and models are choosing this mode of training as their preferred workout. Here are the top reasons why you too should start boxing to develop your character, skills and leadership,

Full-Body Workout

The general belief is that boxing is an upper-body workout. However, this is not true. Boxing training gives you a total body workout and helps sculpt all your muscles. So, when you are extending your arm to deliver a punch, you are using power from your legs and hips, and are also strengthening your core, back and shoulders in the process.

Improvement in Multiple Parameters

Boxing doesn’t just give you a full-body workout where you focus on your cardio and strength. It also improves your balance, agility, reactivity and hand-eye coordination. Which means that your overall fitness improves.

A boxing workout also helps improve your posture. As your core and back get stronger, your posture will start straightening out too.

Burn Calories Fast

The two main things that boxing training does is improve your resting heart rate and your muscular endurance. This means that your stamina increases and your heart rate goes down. What this does is help you in your other workouts.

If you do a boxing training session for just 30 minutes, you can easily burn 400 calories, which compares to any other intense cardio session such as cycling or even running.

Better Body Composition

The focus of a workout should not be to lose weight. It should be to improve your body composition. This means that you increase your muscle mass and reduce your fat mass. Weight loss should be a by-product of this goal.

And boxing is a great way to improve your muscle mass.

Stress Reliever

If you start boxing, you will be able to expel all your stress like never before! According to professional trainers, boxing training gives you more stress relief than any other workout there is. It will help you calm down faster than any other form of exercise.

Constant Learning Process

Boxing is such a discipline that you will never stop learning. While other fitness routines can end up becoming boring (because there isn’t left to learn), with boxing you have to constantly stay alert. There are so many techniques in boxing that it will take you a lifetime to learn them all.

The Downside of Boxing

This is a discipline that requires strength and endurance, but it isn’t for everyone. Because, at the end of the day, it is a contact sport, there are dangers associated with this type of a workout.

So, if you have arthritis or osteoarthritis of the hands, then the most you can do is shadow-boxing. If you make contact with a target, you could end up making your condition worse.

Added to that, since it is a cardio workout, you should avoid this form of exercise if you have a heart condition.

Those with medical conditions should first consult with their doctors before taking up boxing training.

Tips To Achieve Your Fitness Goals!

May 15, 2019 by Mandy

Working out and getting in shape for health or for competitions can be a daunting process to say the least. Starting out in your fitness journey is probably the hardest time when you have to adapt to a new way of life, exercise and eating. Getting in shape is both challenging but extremely rewarding with a lot of ways you can start slowly and build your way up to your goals. Want to get started but not sure how? Check out these great weight loss and fitness tips so you can get started on the road to your goals today.

Starting Small

Starting off small when you’re working toward a fitness goal of any kind is important. You don’t want to go too full into it and stress yourself out. After all, the key to weight loss and fitness goals is prolonged and steady changes over a period of time, culiminating in a full lifestyle change. You often don’t get people going from eating take out and junk food with no exercise to being exercise gurus and health freaks overnight. Start small by eliminating one “bad” thing per week or month – desserts, alcohol, junk food etc. Take note of what you eliminate and the changes it has on your body. You might be surprised at the way your weight drops when you eliminate or reduce something you eat a lot of.

Avoid Fad Diets

Fad diets like the cabbage soup diet, keto and intermittent fasting have their places, but if you want prolonged and sustainable weight loss and fitness that will last for years, if not for life, you need to avoid the fads. Quick drops in weight are not sustainable. Instead try opting for different kinds of fitness meals to gain muscle instead of fat, helping you to tone up and slim down, leading you to a better, more healthy lifestyle overall. Many diets don’t work because people struggle with binging after periods of denying themselves different types of foods, but with fitness meals you get all the nutrients your body needs to power through your workouts.

Be Realistic

When it comes to fitness you need to be realistic. Whether your ultimate goal is to compete in different types of competitions or it’s to just lose weight and get back into shape, realistic goals will help keep you in check and motivated too. If you expect to lose twenty pounds in two weeks, that might be pushing it, but ten to fifteen a month is reasonable. Likewise, if you’re starting today, you might not make this years competition, but you will be in top condition for next year’s!

So whatever your reasoning for wanting to smash it at the gym and get healthy, hopefully these tips and ideas will go a ways toward helping you create a great exercise and healthy eating plan that suits your needs, goals and schedule. Keep in mind that not every goal needs to be smashed this week or even this month – slow and steady wins the race!

Amazing Advantages of Online Yoga Classes

April 30, 2019 by Mandy

Practicing yoga is an incredible way to get in-tune with your body, promote well-being and to unwind from daily stress. As well, regular yoga practice has many health benefits including relief from aches and pains, improve flexibility, lower the blood pressure, tone the muscles and improve the metabolism. Yoga can also be performed basically anywhere, especially online yoga classes. In fact, online classes have countless advantages that can’t be found in a regular classroom.

A Whole Lot Cheaper

Online yoga classes are a lot more economical than classes offered at a gym or spa. In comparison, online classes are way more than half the price of in person programs. Depending on where you live, the average yoga lesson is $20 per hour. Online classes are generally less than $20 per month. In fact, sites like Glo offer discounted classes and even free trials for new memberships.

Online Classes save Time and Frustration

Going to a classroom takes a lot of time and effort. A typical routine may include packing your yoga bag, loading the car, driving to class, finding a parking space, walking in and then changing into your workout clothes. Equally, the whole routine process is reversed when the class is finished. In contrast, online yoga classes can be done anywhere and anytime. For relaxation and ease, yoga can easily be performed in the comfort of your own home. If you prefer something more rejuvenating, try yoga in a remote field of wildflowers that’s off a mountain trail.

Unlimited Flexibility

Unlike standard classes that are limited to a specific day and time, online yoga classes are available whenever you need them. In fact, online classes have a lot of flexibility. You can choose how long you want to practice such as 5 minutes or 90. Likewise, you can set the pace and fitness level from tranquil meditation to a full coarse workout. What is more, online classes allow you to choose the style that fits your needs. At Glo they offer 12 styles such as Hatha, Ashtanga, Kundalini, Iyengar and more.

Less Intimidating and More Beneficial

For some, walking into a yoga class can be a little intimidating. In fact, it is not uncommon for many students to feel awkward when it comes to comprehending the instructions, doing the poses or wearing the “appropriate” clothes. With online classes you can relax and let down your shoulders. Anxieties are not a factor when you practice yoga in your own home or in your favorite “hideout” location. What’s more, without the anxiety you can relax and focus better; progress will come much faster and easier.

Access to Incredible Teachers

Your basic yoga class will typically have one teacher who knows only one style of yoga. On the other hand, online yoga classes have some of the best teachers in the world. For instance, Glo has an amazing array of instructors that are renowned for their expertise. Moreover, their teachers have an extensive background such as Shiatsu, energy bodywork, sport medicine, yoga conditioning, mat Pilates, prenatal yoga and more. In fact, Glo firmly believes that if you find your teacher; you will find your flow.

When it comes to online yoga classes, Glo offers some of the best classes around. Not only are they affordable but their yoga classes are accessible on many devices. Their mission is to create intelligent tools that challenge people to live a fulfilling life. Glo can be used on any mobile device or computer. As well, there are dedicated apps for iPhones, iPads, Apple TV and Chromecast. To help get you started on your journey to well-being, you can select from a variety of programs from beginner to advanced, the choice is yours.

Ways To Improve Your Child’s Physical Fitness

April 28, 2018 by Mandy

As parents we want the very best for our children. We want them to lead happy, healthy, and productive lives that they can be proud of. In a lot of ways parents are responsible for teaching their children how to live such fulfilling lives. Let’s face it! Without our guidance our children would be lost. Totally and completely lost! That’s why is important to set positive examples. One of the ways in which we as parents strive to improve our child’s lives is by hoping to improve their health. There are many ways that a parent can do this, they can promote healthy eating habits, they can educate their children on health risks to avoid, the list goes on and on. While education is key, children oftentimes learn by example.

If you’re trying to improve your child’s physical fitness chances are you need to start improving your own first! Children look up to their parents, especially at a young age so take a look in the mirror. Do you participate in any regular physical activity? What do you do to stay in shape? Are you active outdoors? Answer these questions critically and think of the ways that you could expand upon your physical activity. If you’re wanting to improve the overall health of your child it needs to be a family effort. Finding fun activities for the whole family to enjoy will make staying active a whole lot easier! Here’s a list of outdoor activities that are physically challenging but also fun for the whole family;

Hiking– A great way to stay in shape and enjoy the wonders of nature. Hiking will bring you and your family closer together while you commune with nature and get in touch with the needs of your body.
Flag Football– This family-friendly sport is a favorite among kids! It combines all the excitement of regular football without all the rough contact. You can find all the equipment you need at your local Walmart. It’s super easy to learn.
Barefoot Water Skiing – A unique and extreme sport that’s guaranteed to get the blood pumping. Check out this Barefoot Gear Garage video to find out what it’s all about! It’s definitely for the more adventurous families who aren’t afraid to take life head on.
Bike Riding– This low impact activity is a simple way to enjoy the great outdoors while working up a sweat. It’s ideal for families and young children. Biking is one of the easiest ways to stay in shape and a fantastic option for helping to improve your child’s physical fitness.

Now you know to lead by example and find activities that your family will really enjoy. If your child is engaged in the physical activity they are doing they won’t want to stop! It’s a super easy and effective way of building positive health habits. Another way to improve your child’s overall physical well-being is by cutting their screen time. The less time they are sitting in front of the television or playing games on their tablet the more time they’ll have for physical activity.

We all know that parenting can be tough and teaching your child good health habits can be even tougher. Just remember to have fun with it, set a good example, and cut down on their screen time and you’ll do just fine!

How to Protect Yours and Your Family’s Safety When Cycling

April 18, 2018 by Mandy

Cycling can be a great cardiovascular activity for all the family, yet if you or a member of your family regularly cycle on a busy road, you must avoid unwanted injuries on a bike. If you are looking for the best ways to care for yourself or your loved ones, read the following informative tips on how cyclists can best protect themselves.

Only Ride with Traffic

According to reports, 1,011 pedal cyclists are either killed or seriously injured per billion vehicle miles, which is in comparison to 26 car drivers. Cyclists must, therefore, be meticulous when cycling on the road. If you choose to cycle in the street, it is smarter to ride with the traffic. Cycling against the flow can be incredibly dangerous, as the impact would be much greater in the event of a head-on collision.

Use the Right Cycling Gear

If you or a loved one enjoy cycling, it is important to wear the right cycling gear. A bike helmet can ultimately increase the likelihood of your recovery following a crash. You’ll also need to wear light clothing to ensure you are visible to others when on the road, which can reduce the chances of a collision. Don’t forget to install a front lamp and reflectors on both the pedals and read of a bike, especially if you plan to cycle after dark.

Remain Alert

Maintain your safety on the road by staying continually alert on your bicycle, especially if on a bike ride with children, as most accidents can occur due to sudden doors opening, sideswipes, left crosses, right hooks, and drive-outs. It can happen when a car does not see a bicycle in its path. It is, therefore, your responsibility to pay close attention to your surroundings, so watch for drivers in parked vehicles, brake lights, turning signals and any other potential dangers that could suddenly occur.

Know When to Use the Middle Lane

US law requires cyclists to cycle as far to the right as possible when on the road. However, there might be some situations when you should attempt to use the middle lane instead. For example, you should use the middle when trying to avoid an unsafe condition, when you are preparing to make a left turn, or when you’re passing another moving vehicle. You should also use the middle lane if you cannot safely share the right lane with another car, or if you’re traveling at the same speed as other cars.

Avoid Distractions

While cars can pose a risk to cyclists on the road, cyclists can also pose a risk to drivers. While you might not have the distractions of passengers breaking your concentration, you might make listening to music with headphones part of a cycling routine. While this can be a good source of entertainment and motivation, you must be aware it can also be a distraction, as you will be less likely to be aware of your surroundings. In addition, you should avoid eating and drinking when cycling to ensure that both your hands are firmly in control of your bicycle. If you need a refreshment, pull your bike over to enjoy a bite to eat or drink of water, so you’ll have the fuel you need to carry on.

Protect Yourself from Negligent Driving

Of course, not all collisions that might happen on the road will necessarily be your fault. You could be a great cyclist and still collide with a moving vehicle, as there are unfortunately many negligent drivers on the road. While it’s important to be alert, there might be some accidents that are unavoidable, yet you can seek compensation if you’re the victim of a bicycle accident. An injury lawyer can help you secure the compensation you need to cover the cost of medical bills, loss of income, and a new bicycle.

Know the Correct Signals to Use

Unlike with cars, you will not be able to rely on flashing lights to indicate your intentions on the road. Ensure your safety by learning the correct hand signals to use when cycling. For example, you must put your left hand down to your side when you’re attempting to stop or slow down. If you’re planning to perform a left turn, always place your left hand all the way out to your left. However, if you want to make a right turn, simply hold your left arm out at a 90-degree angle, so your elbow is out, and your hand is pointing in an upwards direction, so it is visible to a driver.

Always Be Aware of Intersections

The intersection is incredibly dangerous for cyclists, as cars will be moving from four different directions. All drivers and cyclists will also want to move through the green light before it changes to red, and different vehicles may attempt to quickly change lanes, even if they are not illegally allowed to do so. It can, therefore, be a risky location for cyclists. Regardless of whether you cycle with friends, family, or alone, you must always approach a busy intersection with caution. Slow down your speed as you reach an intersection and always indicate to drivers as soon as possible if you plan to make a turn to prevent an accident.

Make Eye Contact with Drivers

Of course, if you want to ensure your safety on the road, always attempt to make eye contact with a driver, so they can acknowledge your existence before you make a sudden move. Doing this can provide the reassurance you need to move without fear when changing lanes, passing vehicles or another action.

Conclusion

There are multiple dangers when cycling on the road. Even if you only plan to cycle across the neighborhood or to your local park, you must be aware of the dangers and the correct signals to use when you and your cycling are enjoying a family bike ride. The above tips could help to keep you and your loved ones safe and visible to other drivers, which can reduce the likelihood of an accident, so you can simply enjoy some physical activity in the great outdoors.